Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing slower! This September, the YMCA of Western North Carolina will offer two Healthy Aging Day events featuring health screenings, fitness classes, and expert talks for the area’s rising senior population as part of nationwide Healthy Aging Week programming. The two free events—in Buncombe and McDowell counties—are free and open to the public. The events are designed to increase awareness of the importance of eating well, preventive care, physical exercise, and social interaction so that everyone can enjoy their life to the fullest.
A 2009 study from the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research reports that statewide, the senior population will double by 2030, reaching 2.2 million residents. This growth reflects nationwide trends as baby boomers turn 50 and people retire later and live longer. The Health Aging Day events are meant to help people celebrate and take advantage of the many benefits of aging, as well as address the unique challenges many active agers face.
Healthy Aging Day Buncombe County
DATE: Monday, September 19, 2016
WHAT: Activities will include pickleball, fitness classes, health screenings, lip-sync contest, educational talks, and more. First 100 participants receive free T-shirt.
WHEN: 8am–12pm
WHERE: Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28803
WHO: Open to the community.
SPONSORS: Mission Health, Earth Fare, and Carolina Ophthalmology, P.A.
CONTACT: Diane Saccone, Director, Healthy Aging Initiatives, YMCA of Western North Carolina, dsaccone@ymcawnc.org, 828 575 2904
Health Aging Day McDowell County
DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 2016
WHAT: Activities will include pickleball, fitness classes, health screenings, educational talks, and more. First 100 participants receive free T-shirt.
WHEN: 9am–12pm
WHERE: Corpening Memorial YMCA, 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, NC 28752
WHO: Open to the community.
SPONSOR: Carolinas Healthcare System.
CONTACT: Sadie Simpson, Healthy Living Director, Corpening Memorial YMCA, ssimpson@ymcawnc.org, 828 652 5903
“Healthy aging means living life as fully as possible. Baby boomers are not taking retirement
sitting down, and at the YMCA we believe it is our responsibility to help everyone live a healthy lifestyle. Healthy Aging Day is dedicated to enriching the lives of baby boomers and beyond,” said Diane Saccone, director of healthy aging initiatives at the YMCA of Western North Carolina.